TNT Brings On The Drama with iPad App, Subscribers Only Need Install

As the fall television season gears up here in the U.S., networks are aiming to make it a more portable one by releasing fresh new iPad apps capable of streaming full episodes right to a tablet -- but unfortunately, some of them won’t do you much good unless you subscribe to the channel in the first place.

Turner Broadcasting System has released TNT for iPad, a new free app for accessing the network’s popular drama shows straight from Apple’s tablet when your TV set isn’t nearby. TNT’s slogan is “We know drama” and they’re right about that: The app requires authentication from your television provider in order to stream full episodes, making it a step above useless for those without a cable or satellite subscription.

“Get the most dramatic app you'll ever need,” the app description reads. “Get complete access to your favorite TNT shows wherever and whenever you want. Check out episode guides, watch clips and behind-the-scenes videos, set schedule reminders and even watch full episodes of The Closer, Falling Skies, Rizzoli & Isles and more after authenticating through your television provider. Every life needs a little drama --now, you can take it with you wherever you go, for free.”

Judging from many of the user comments already posted to the App Store, not just any cable or satellite provider will do -- apparently Time-Warner Cable isn’t currently on board with TNT’s authentication method, so TWC viewers are left in the dark, even though they do indeed subscribe to the channel.

For everyone else, TNT for iPad is available now from the App Store; the 16.8MB download is compatible with all iPads running iOS 4.2 or later.